'01 Softail brake fluid
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Italy
'01 Softail brake fluid
Oh-oh, not sure what's going on here.
Just finished changing the brake fluids on my bike, 2001 Softail Standard
Front master reservoir cap said DOT 5
Manual said DOT 5
Indy said DOT 5
So I used DOT 5.
While cleaning up the rear reservoir, I noticed the rear reservoir was stamped DOT 4
So, my questions are:
What came out of the rear was clear fluid, like old DOT 5
What does old DOT 4 look like ?
Is it possible the front brakes would be DOT 5 and the rear DOT 4 ?
I don't think so, but I guess everything is possible.
Have I made a boo boo ?
Just finished changing the brake fluids on my bike, 2001 Softail Standard
Front master reservoir cap said DOT 5
Manual said DOT 5
Indy said DOT 5
So I used DOT 5.
While cleaning up the rear reservoir, I noticed the rear reservoir was stamped DOT 4
So, my questions are:
What came out of the rear was clear fluid, like old DOT 5
What does old DOT 4 look like ?
Is it possible the front brakes would be DOT 5 and the rear DOT 4 ?
I don't think so, but I guess everything is possible.
Have I made a boo boo ?
I don't have the answer to your question, but I do know that you can't go by color. ATE DOT 4 brake fluid comes in light blue or light amber (people commonly alternate colors so they can tell when the old stuff is completely bled out). Harley brand DOT 4 is clear, and Wilwood DOT 4 is dark amber. As if that weren't confusing enough, I've seen purple DOT 5.1 (which is compatible with DOT 4) and purple DOT 5 (which is only compatible with itself).
I think your best bet is to make friends with a local dealer service tech or indy, and have them look it up. GL!
I think your best bet is to make friends with a local dealer service tech or indy, and have them look it up. GL!
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Came upon the same situation once on a used bike. Bike had 5 stamped on the front reservoir and 4 stamped on the rear. Color of the fluids were similar. Google searching confirmed what Mr Lucky stated "You Cant Go By Color". Additionally I read that the color will change with age.
To be safe, I removed both brake systems and Bench Cleaned then with denatured alcohol then filled with appropriate type stamped on each reservoir.
To be safe, I removed both brake systems and Bench Cleaned then with denatured alcohol then filled with appropriate type stamped on each reservoir.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,984
Likes: 8
Put dot 5 in both. No reason to use dot 4 unless you want to screw up your paint, on an 01.
I think flushing your system would be fine, with a bottle of dot 5 , but you can take it off and run denatured alcohol through it to be safe.
I think flushing your system would be fine, with a bottle of dot 5 , but you can take it off and run denatured alcohol through it to be safe.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 429
Likes: 3
From: Shitty City, Chicago
mine was stamped 5...i used 4 synthetic by mistake...flushed it out with 5...all feels fine so far.
i guess the rubbers in the calipers get funked up....
i guess the rubbers in the calipers get funked up....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 10
Would it be possible to not disassemble anything, flush the system with denatured alcohol, then add the DOT type of your choice?
Thanks
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